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e n j o y | our scenic parks & rivers

Our Three Rivers

Maumee River

Maumee River at Independence Dam

The historic Maumee River is formed in Ft. Wayne by the St. Joseph and St. Marys Rivers, flowing in a northeasterly direction through Defiance where it is joined by the Tiffin and Auglaize Rivers before arriving in Toledo where it empties into Maumee Bay and Lake Erie. Numerous parks and historic markers are located on its banks.

Scenic viewing: along U.S. Route 424 East "Major General Lawrence H. Livingston Highway." Harley Davidson Inc. named Route 424 between Defiance and Napoleon as one of the ten best touring roads in the United States. This 18 mile stretch past Independence Dam State Park follows the Maumee River and uses the old tow path of Miami-Erie and Wabash Canal systems for its road bed.

Tiffin River

Also known as Bean Creek Scenic River, the Tiffin river is an excellent canoeing stream. Still standing over the river is the “Old Dey Bridge” which is no longer used for motor traffic but is still available to hikers and tourists.

Independence Dam State Park

Independence Dam State Park covers 591-acres situated along the banks of the beautiful Maumee River. This park is located approximately 3 miles east of Defiance on St. Rt. 424 and offers recreational opportunities including boating access, hiking trails, camping, fishing, scenic drives, and picnic areas.

A hiking trail, once the towpath for the Miami/Wabash/Erie Canal, meanders between the old canal and the river for a distance of three miles ending in Florida, Ohio. This trail offers imaginative trips into the colorful past of Ohio’s canal era.

City Parks

Bronson Park

Splash Park

This wooded area on the southwest side of the city borders the Auglaize River. Bronson Park is a 25 acre multi-purpose park consisting of two sand volleyball courts, two ball fields, three shelter houses, one basketball court, and playground area.

Splash Park

The new Splash Park at Bronson Park opened July 4, 2018. Splash Park is FREE to the public. Water is on from 9am -9pm seasonally.

2104 Power Dam Rd, Defiance OH 43512

Diehl Park

If you are looking for a park made with kids in mind, Deihl Park is a must see. Located on the northwest side of the city, with two large covered shelter houses, a basketball court, four softball fields and a baseball diamond, it is sure to keep the sports minded occupied. The biggest attraction is the Kid’s Creation Playground that provides kids with an opportunity to use their imagination as they run through the fort or sit in the Native American teepee.

901 Wemor Street, Defiance OH 43512

Holgate Park

A lovely neighborhood park that is located in the historical district on Holgate Avenue. Beautifully landscaped with a Victorian Gazebo and a walking path. A baseball diamond, basketball court and playground equipment can occupy an entire family with an afternoon of fun.

807 Holgate Avenue, Defiance OH 43512

Kingsbury Park & Pool

A centrally located park on the east side of the city provides a beautiful view of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers. Enjoy 6 covered shelter houses, playground equipment, a baseball diamond, 2 tennis courts and a basketball court. Children of all ages will love the water slide at Kingsbury Pool and Wading Pool located next to the park. All shelter houses are a first come, first serve basis unless they are reserved. Reservation fee charged. Ball fields are also available for private rental when not reserved by city leagues. Pool admission charged.

Pontiac Metro Park

Pontiac Metro Park features "in-town" river access with it's boat ramp and ample parking. This beautiful park has a splendid view of the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers and provides a peacefulness that is perfect for a relaxing picnic. It is the site of the Old French Indian Apple Tree Marker and the possible birthplace of the Ottawa Indian Chief Pontiac. Additional highlights of this park include the Zonta Fountain, "porch-style" swings overlooking the river and a large gazebo located near the boat ramp.

15 East River Road, Defiance OH 43512

Reservoir

Parking for boats, ramp and boat docks provide easy access for boating and fishing. The reservoir is surrounded by a 1¼ mile walkway around the top of the reservoir with 6 benches along the walk and another at the handicapped parking near the boat ramp. A 9-Hole Frisbee Golf Course is situated below the northern ridge of the reservoir, and a sledding hill with lights is located just east of the reservoir off Kibble road. A nature trail is planned for the area, this new boardwalk pathway will connect both ends of the existing asphalt path, giving trail users a unique woodland experience and completing the loop around the reservoir.

1261 Precision Way, Defiance OH 43512

Riverside Park

This 30 acre park is a sportsman’s dream with a baseball diamond and four soccer fields. There is also a shelter house, playground equipment and updated restroom facilitiy. This is the place to be in Autumn to catch a glance of the up and comers in our area school sports programs.

849 Riverside Ave, Defiance OH 43512

Veterans Memorial Grove Park (Latty’s Grove)

Mature trees shade this centrally located park on the south side of the downtown area. Two covered shelter houses, a ball diamond, playground equipment, basketball court, a tennis court, and updated rest room facilities are available for an afternoon of leisure.

Oxbow Lake and Wildlife Area

Oxbow Lake lies 10 miles northwest of the city of Defiance, and can be accessed from State Route 15 at Schick Road. Fish of Interest for Anglers include Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Green sunfish and Bullhead. The operation of watercraft with any motor is permitted but at idle speed only without creating a wake. There is a small boat launch located on the northern shore of the lake.

The Oxbow Lake Wildlife Area is a 416-acre area situated in the glaciated lake plain of Ohio and has a slightly rolling topography. Some steep land lies adjacent to Mud Creek, which bisects the area. Large cottonwoods and sycamores are found along Mud Creek. The upland woods consist mostly of oaks and hickories. Migrating shorebirds and songbirds can be observed utilizing the lake edges and woodlots during spring and fall. Other types of wildlife such as tree swallows and great blue herons make Oxbow Lake their home territory for the summer months.

A shotgun range for paper and clay targets only is also located on the area.